Springfield has a lifetime warranty and a rail on the 3" job, personally I don't care for the rail, but some might like it, Springfield doesn't have the firing pin safety, I really don't care for the Swartz style firing pin safety used in series II Kimbers.

I guess it really depends on what Kimber Ultra you're getting, the one Ultra I might buy would be a SIS Ultra, regardless of how much I hate the cocking serrations, that would give me a steel frame, 3" 1911 without the firing pin safety and give me 30LPI checkering from the factory.

I don't want to try to steal the thread, but don't forget the Colt Defender!

I too, am in the market for a 3" 1911 .45, and would appreciate any and all input from those that have any (or all) of them. I had previously been considering going to a plastic gun , but have wised up and realized that a 1911 is really all I have fired (have strayed some, but not much), since 1972, and why change now?

There are two of us now waiting for the educated pontificating of those more knowledgeable than ourselves. What say you...........Kimber, SA, or Colt?

I have both a Defender and the new Springfield micro compact .45 with all the bells and whistles. The basic pistols are near clones of each other with the Springfield having better sights,the rail and a XML light and a duo tone finish.The deciding factor is that the Springfield Armory will bend over backwards to please the customer. Without a doubt the best service out there. That could be the deciding factor in any purchase.

I have the Kimber UC II in stainless. I had first round feed failures throughout the breakin process but when I hit about 450 rounds, it cleared up. Now, it runs like a champ. It's a great little gun but I was looking for a Defender or Micro when I bought it. I'm happy with the Kimber now.

The SA Micro is available without the rail. I wanted one, never jumped, did finally get the Colt New Agent. The Colt Defender (and likely it's brother, the New Agent) seem to have better reports on reliability but I wouldn't hesitate on the SA. I do love my Colt and it was cheaper than the SA. Have no experience w/Kimber so can't say there.